R116 heroes honoured at People of the Year Awards

THE Irish Coast Guard, the crew of Rescue 116, campaigner Vera Twomey and Fr Peter McVerry were among those honoured at last night’s Rehab People of the Year Awards.

The ceremony, at Dublin’s Mansion House, was presented by Gráinne Seoige and Aidan Power, while Aslan provided entertainment.

Attendees and winners alike dressed in black tie for the event, which marked its 43rd year.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, jockey AP McCoy and activist Sabina Higgins walked the red carpet to honour Ireland’s heroes.

And Dermot Bannon, news anchors Caitríona Perry and Keelin Shanley, Norah Casey and Mrs Brown Boys’ star Eilish O’Carroll also joined the winners.

In an emotional tribute, newsreader Bryan Dobson announced that the Irish Coast Guard, the crew of Rescue 116, Caitríona Lucas and the community of Erris, Co. Mayo, should all be collectively honoured.

Fr Peter McVerry was acknowledged with his second People of the Year Award in 13 years for being the voice of the homelessness, something he said shows the lack of progress being made on the issue.

After rising to prominence during a two-and-a-half-year campaign to secure medicinal cannabis to help her daughter Ava, Vera Twomey was presented with an award by Olympic medallist Rob Heffernan.

Catherine Corless was recognised for her work involving the former Tuam mother and baby home, while Colette Byrne received the Every Day Hero Award for establishing an online community for widows.

Rugby star Joy Neville received the Sports Person of the Year Award, while Harry, 13, and Molly Flynn, ten, won the Young Person of the Year Award for saving six-year-old sister Isabelle’s life on many occasions.

Mo Flynn, Rehab Group chief executive, said: ‘The awards serve to highlight all that is good about Ireland and honour those whose courage, resolve and bravery is boundless.’